1) Before starting, locate the radiator, coolant overflow reservoir, and pressure cap.  The reservoir will be located at a high location on either side of the engine and may be near the radiator or at the back of the engine near the windshield.

2) The cooling system pressure cap may be on a remote overflow reservoir if not on the radiator.

Pressure Cap on or Near the Radiator (Typical on older vehicle models)

CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE PRESSURE CAP WHEN ENGINE IS HOT.

• With the engine off and cool, remove the pressure cap from the radiator.
• The coolant level should be at the top of the radiator, ideally flush with the bottom of the pressure cap seat.
• If the coolant level is low, add either 50/50 pre-mixed antifreeze/coolant or a 50/50 mix of antifreeze/coolant concentrate and good quality water until the coolant level reaches the cap seat. Replace the pressure cap.
• Next, check owner’s manual for recommended cooling system maintenance, and note the guidance given for the level of antifreeze/coolant to be kept in the reservoir.
• Locate the fill line on the side of the overflow reservoir. If the coolant level is low, remove the reservoir cap and add either 50/50 pre-mixed antifreeze/coolant or a 50/50 mix of antifreeze/coolant concentrate and good quality water until the coolant level reaches the level marked on the tank.  Replace the cap.

Pressure Cap on the Overflow Reservoir (Typical on newer vehicles)

CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE PRESSURE CAP WHEN ENGINE IS HOT.

• Make sure the engine is off and cool. Check owner’s manual for recommended cooling system maintenance, and note the guidance given for the level of antifreeze/coolant to be kept in the reservoir.
• Locate the fill line on the side of the tank. If the coolant level is low, remove the pressure cap and add either 50/50 pre-mixed antifreeze/coolant or a 50/50 mix of antifreeze/coolant concentrate and good quality water until the coolant level reaches the level marked on the tank.  Replace the pressure cap.

Periodically check coolant level and freeze protection.

For more information and videos on engine coolant maintenance, check out our DIY videos.

Follow these directions when using an antifreeze concentrate product.

DRAIN/FLUSH/FILL                          

CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE PRESSURE CAP WHEN ENGINE IS HOT.

Check vehicle owner’s manual for coolant capacity and specific cooling system maintenance recommendations.

Notes: 1) The cooling system pressure cap may be on a remote overflow reservoir if not on the radiator.  2) Draining the system from the radiator may leave a significant amount of old coolant and flush water behind.  Compensate for this when adding coolant. 3) Before starting, locate radiator drain valve (if equipped) and lower radiator hose.

• Remove the pressure cap from the radiator or overflow reservoir.
• Drain cooling system by opening radiator drain valve. Disconnect lower radiator hose if there is no drain valve.  Collect the fluid for proper disposal.
• Close radiator drain valve/reconnect radiator hose.  Fill with fresh water and replace pressure cap.  Start engine and run for 15 minutes with the heater on high.
• Stop engine and allow to cool.  Repeat steps 1 and 2.
• Close drain valve/reconnect radiator hose.
• Check owner’s manual for cooling system capacity and recommended antifreeze/water ratio. Fill system with enough new antifreeze/coolant concentrate to achieve the desired ratio.  A 50 to 70% antifreeze/coolant concentrate in water ratio is recommended to achieve optimum freeze/boil and corrosion protection.  Top off the system with water.
• Replace pressure cap and run engine 15 minutes with the heater on high. Stop engine.  When engine has cooled, check freeze protection and add more antifreeze/coolant concentrate or water as necessary.
• Remove old coolant from reservoir tank and add a 50 to 70% mixture of antifreeze/coolant concentrate in water to the level marked on the tank.

DRAIN/FLUSH/FILL          

For Drain/Flush/Fill antifreeze/coolant maintenance, use PEAK Antifreeze + Coolant concentrate to ensure the right finished concentration is achieved.  Follow instructions for Drain/Flush/Fill provided for antifreeze concentrate products.

Periodically check coolant level and freeze protection.

CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE PRESSURE CAP WHEN ENGINE IS HOT.

Prepare a 50 to 70% mixture of Antifreeze + Coolant concentrate and water.  Add mixture to the overflow reservoir to the level marked on the tank.

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DIRECTIONS        Follow these directions when using a 50/50 pre-diluted antifreeze product.

Check vehicle owner’s manual for specific cooling system maintenance recommendations.

TOP-OFF

CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE PRESSURE CAP WHEN ENGINE IS HOT.

Note:  The pressure cap may be on a remote overflow reservoir if not on the radiator.

Remove pressure cap and add PEAK 50/50 Prediluted Antifreeze + Coolant to the overflow reservoir to the level marked on the tank.  Replace cap.

Periodically check radiator and reservoir coolant levels and freeze protection, and top off as needed.

In a nutshell, antifreeze is mixed with the water in your radiator to prevent the water from freezing in the winter and boiling over in the summer. By keeping the water at a “comfortable” temperature, your engine will also run at the perfect temperature—further protecting your ride.

When using a Long Life formula your vehicle’s antifreeze should typically be flushed every 5 years or approximately every 150,000 miles. PEAK’s Global formula is guaranteed to last the life your vehicle once a complete flush and fill is performed. However, always refer to your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance schedules.

Flushing your own radiator is easier than it sounds. Here’s an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

It’s a normal jump for your brain to think that water would dilute antifreeze. After all, water dilutes everything else it’s mixed with, right? Fact is, water is necessary for antifreeze to go to work. It’s never recommended to use antifreeze at full strength. Always refer to the instructions on your bottle of PEAK antifreeze, as well as your owner’s manual for proper maintenance schedules.

PEAK’s products are sensitive to all types of cars, as well as to the environment. This is why PEAK has created a full line of Antifreeze + Coolants – from traditional, full-strength antifreezes perfect for all cars worldwide to extended-life antifreeze and products designed for trucks with special needs, as well as eco-friendly products, too.

To find which is best for your car or truck, check out PEAK’s Product Finder tool or refer to your owner’s manual.